bass saxophone

[lamar reeves]

The community concert band here in Maui practices in the evening at one of the local high schools.This is one of the oldest schools on the Island.In a storeroom behind the band room are many old unused instruments in varying states of disrepair.The dept. of ed. wont fix them,sell them or give them away so there they sit.While poking around I saw this huge dust covered bell sticking out of a cubbyhole.I could not pull it all the way out due to a file cabinet but I got it out far enough to wipe the dust off and read the
name,Buescher.The bell also had some nice engraving.If I could somehow
convince the bureauocracy(sp?) to let me purchase this horn are there parts and pads available to do the job?I.m pretty sure this instrument dates back to the 30's.I would love to bring this fine old bass saxophone back from its grave.

[lamar reeves]

I somehow missed the thread below about the bass sax.sorry.If they are
available on the market there must be parts somewhere.I just don't want
the Dept. of Ed. to see the $10,000 part.

[Helen]

My 1922 Buescher bass belonged to a middle school in Louisiana. It was a total mess when the school decided to auction it off. Paul Coats bought it, restored it, and then sold it to me.

Paul is a really nice guy, and really knows his stuff. He is very knowledgable about bass saxes. Might I suggest the following?

1. Check out the Bass Sax Co-op that Steve Weinert started. It is a Yahoo group with 250 bass players from around the world on it. You can find it at:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bass_Sax_Coop/

You have to apply for membership, which Steve will grant as soon as he receives the request. Paul Coats is a member (moderator as well) of that group, so you can ask him about his experiences.

2. Check out the bass sax info. section on my site:

http://www.bassic-sax.ca/bass_sax_info.html

It contains photos of my horn before and after restoration, and its history (as best as we could determine it), as well as all kinds of bass-specific information on things such as mouthpieces, etc. etc. that might be of interest if you consider going after the horn.

$10,000 is not the norm!!! Normally vintage basses keyed to high Eb, which this one most likey is, should go in the general vacinity of $4500-$6500 depending on finish, condition (presence) of case, accessories included, etc. etc. This price range assumes the horn is totally restored. Paul could maybe tell you what he paid for mine before restoration.

Thing is, because parts for these old timers are not generally available, if it is missing things like key guards, keys, etc. they have to be manufactured from scratch. This could get very pricey!!! All the keys were with mine, but Paul had to manufacture a key guard. Replacement pads will be the least of your problems. They are readily available, but horn parts aren't.

Hope this has been helpful...helen

[hornimprovement]

I am nearing comletion of a Buescher bass overhaul. Curt at www.musicmedic.com is getting the last of my large (low B & Bb) pads together. The rest was all stuff I normally stock. Supplies are no problem.
I am fabricating a bis Bb for this one, as well. -Jeff

[Helen]

I am nearing comletion of a Buescher bass overhaul...I am fabricating a bis Bb for this one, as well. -Jeff

Jeff, when you've finished fabricating the bis Bb key would you be able to take some pictures and send them to me? I would like to talk to my tech about adding one, so it would help to see what it could look like.

[hornimprovement]

Helen, I would be glad to. I have another bass in the shop that has one already that I was using for inspiration. I'll see if i can get a picture of that off to you. -Jeff